Edinburgh Zoo

Took the kids to the zoo yesterday and have really mixed feelings about it. Edinburgh Zoo was such a big part of my childhood, i think I went on school trips there annually during the Primary years and at least once a year after that.

It's changed SO much. I appreciate that back in the day some of the animals were being kept in less than ideal conditions, and I know that it's better for the animals to have larger enclosures. Polar bears and elephants never looked happy at Edinburgh Zoo.

But still, there were no giraffes, big cats other than lions and tigers, no wolves, no Reptile House, no sea lions, no apes other than chimps, the bird house was closed because of avian flu, no kangaroos, no bears (except two small sun bears), none of the big gazelle things.

Just a bit sad that it's changed so much and I really don't think it's value for money any more.

I haven't been for a while, but it was pretty 'in need of care' last time. I know they got rid of a lot of animals a few years ago. It is so expensive and I imagine only worth it if you get annual entrance and have lots of time to go.

I remember going when I was young and I was soooooo excited (partly because it was a trip to Edinburgh as well).

Agree that there is a balance to be struck though. The last time I was there, about 5 years ago, I felt the enclosures were disturbingly small. There was a panther in particular that was clearly distressed. The new enclosures are much better for the animals.

The animals were distressed and ill. They have been rehomed into places that are better for them and to participate in European breeding programs for endangered animals.

The polar bear was basically mentally ill living at the zoo. The enclosure is big enough for the Sun bears but not a polar bear. This is the same for big cats - many of whom exhibited signs of extreme distress. Do you seriously want your children to see animals who are ill because of small enclosures rather than animals who are healthy?

YABU. The only possible justification for zoos to exist is conservation of endangered species, not showcasing iconic (but common) animals by keeping them in captivity which is generally going to be vastly inferior to living wild.

I said I understood that conditions were not good for many of the animals. Doesn't explain though why there's no reptile house and very few other animals - although it's fab if you like meerkats.

Penguins and pandas are worth seeing.

It would make more sense if Edinburgh Zoo wants to keep going to buy some massive parcel of land somewhere between Edinburgh and Glasgow, or in East Lothian or Fife where they can create a proper 21st century zoo. They'd make millions selling their current site. At the moment they're sticking to the Corstorphine site which is so hilly and inaccessible to many, and pruning down their collectionto almost nothing.

They still have loads of animals though. The wild dogs are beautiful and the bonoboi trail is great for watching the monkeys plus really informative and fun for kids.There are plenty animals to see in enclosures appropriate to their needs instead of animals in too small enclosures making them unhappy.

Yes it would be great if they could update the whole thing but that takes years of planning and money I don't know if it would cost more than tge actually take in while it was being done.

We used to be members and took the children regularly but it got to the point that I just couldn't bear to see the size of the animal enclosures etc. I am very glad they no longer have a polar bear or elephants or giraffes. I find it particularly upsetting to see large migratory intelligent mammals in captivity. Recently we visited Five Sisters Sanctuary just outside Edinburgh and I would support this place. The animals are all rescue animals. The bears and lions in particular were rescued after a long process from a lives of horror and they have a lot more room than they would have elsewhere. It is also a non-profit organisation.

We live near the zoo but would have no idea what to do if a wolf turned up in our garden. It would probably be posted and debated on the local Facebook page.

I had membership when the kids were younger. It was great to just walk or bus up and spend sometime there. Then one day I realised we only saw the penguins as we just moved from playpark to playpark. I didn't bother renewing.

I reckon the pandas have been a massive drain! They are constantly emailing youth groups with special deals.

DD is doing the keeper half day in August (was a Christmas present) at the 5 sisters. We live a couple of miles away and used to go regularly when the DC were younger. I do like seeing the lions on a sunny summer day- they all pile on top of each other on their platform and just look so relaxed and comfortable.

Have you tried 5 sister zoo? It is full of rescue animals from circuses etc. Not too far from Edinburgh and actually pretty small. Would recommend it as it is more about saving animals ( the lions are massive but don't have manes are were castrated for performing ), bears, birds etc but the food is basically a burger van so take a lunch!